29. Waltair Veerayya; movie review

WALTAIR VEERAYYA

Cert 12A

148 mins

BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence, bloody images, threat, drug references

Nothing makes my heart sink at the cinema more than opening credits which scream "megastar".

Why? Because they are inevitably followed by an actor playing a role which is entirely unsuitable for his age.

So, as the audience whooped with delight over the appearance of 67-year-old Telugu favourite Chiranjeevi, I was thinking: "Here we go again..."

And, true to form, he is fighting, singing and dancing like a 30-year-old with even a hint or romance with a character played by Shruti Hassan, a mere 31 years his junior.

I was full of praise for Chiranjeevi's lead during Acharya in 2022 but Waltair Veerayya is nowhere near as good, in my opinion.

And, while south Indian audiences enjoy their heroes being slightly exaggerated, I reckon the line should be drawn on entering the fray against the bad guys on an elephant.

In Bobby Kolli's movie, he plays the title character, a tough-nut smuggler who is not averse to working with the police.

Thus, he does a deal with them to go Malaysia to bring back a drug lord (Bobby Simha) who has killed multiple officers.

Inevitably, all hell lets loose and a prior motive emerges, throwing forth another villain, played with typical menace by Prakash Raj.

Oh, and if we weren't already overwhelmed by megastar dust, Ravi Teja enters the fray as a no-holds-barred cop.

But this is really all about Chiranjeevi and his fans will adore him showing his full box of tricks.

I am afraid I needed a better storyline.

Reasons to watch: If you are a fan of "Megastar" Chiranjeevi

Reasons to avoid: Way too convoluted

Laughs: None for me but some for others in the audience

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 4/10

Did you know? Chiranjeevi has won over three Andhra Pradesh State Nandi Awards and nine Filmfare Awards South. In 2006, he was was presented with an Honorary Doctorate from Andhra University for his contributions to Indian Cinema.

The final word. Chiranjeevi: " Coming to Waltair Veerayya, the entire credit goes to director Bobby for bringing back the vintage vibes and I enjoyed it doing for my fans and it would be a feast for them." 123Telugu

 

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